Sleepwalking and Insomnia: What’s the Connection?

Sleepwalking (somnambulism) is a parasomnia, or abnormal sleep behavior, in which a person gets out of bed and walks around while sleeping. It typically occurs during the first third of the night, during deep sleep. Sleepwalking episodes can last for a few seconds or up to 30 minutes. Most people who sleepwalk do not remember the episode when they wake up.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, medical conditions, and medications. Insomnia can make sleepwalking more likely because it disrupts the normal sleep cycle and can lead to sleep deprivation.

The connection between sleepwalking and insomnia

Sleepwalking and insomnia are both sleep disorders that can interrupt a person's normal sleep cycle. Sleepwalking is more likely to occur when a person is sleep-deprived, and insomnia can make it difficult for a person to get enough sleep.

In addition, both sleepwalking and insomnia can be caused by underlying medical conditions. For example, some people who sleepwalk also have a history of epilepsy or narcolepsy. Insomnia can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including thyroid problems, diabetes, and depression.

Treating sleepwalking and insomnia

There are a variety of treatments that can be used to treat sleepwalking and insomnia. The treatment plan will depend on the individual's symptoms and the underlying cause of the sleep disorder.

Treatments for sleepwalking

Treatments for sleepwalking may include:

- Sleep hygiene education: This involves learning about and practicing healthy sleep habits, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.

- Relaxation techniques: These can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can trigger sleepwalking. Examples of relaxation techniques include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.

- Medications: Medications that may be used to treat sleepwalking include sedatives, hypnotics, and antidepressants.

Treatments for insomnia

Treatments for insomnia may include:

- Sleep hygiene education

- Relaxation techniques

- Medications: Medications that may be used to treat insomnia include benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics, and melatonin.

If you are experiencing sleepwalking or insomnia, talk to your doctor. There are a variety of treatments that can help you get the sleep you need.